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Gisborne Horoera Bridge project complete

The NZ Transport Agency is advising that a tourism related project in Gisborne that connects tourists to the easternmost part of the country, is now complete.

Horoera Bridge

The new Horoera Bridge leads to the historic East Cape lighthouse. The estimated $400,000 project replaced a bailey bridge with a single-lane concrete bridge, and is part of a wider $1.5 million package for tourism-related roading projects, under the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan (He Huarahi Hei Whai Oranga).

The new bridge supports tourist vehicles such as buses and campervans, allowing a growing number of tourists to drive right to the foot of New Zealand’s most easterly lighthouse. It will also support High Productivity Motor Vehicles and boost the resilience of the route. The project involved the removal of the temporary bailey bridge, replacement of the failed bridge deck, work to the existing abutments and landscaping.

Tairāwhiti Roads General Manager Dave Hadfield says the completion of the Horoera bridge is the first roading project that has been delivered as part of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan.

“While it was a small project it did have technical and environmental challenges due to its remote location, but these trials were overcome by having a collaborative relationship with local firm Ritchie Civil.

The Horoera Bridge project was delivered by Tairāwhiti Roads, a partnership between the Transport Agency and Gisborne District Council.

The $700,000 upgrade of rest area facilities along State Highway 35 will develop safe stopping places and facilities for tourists, as well as information boards promoting regional attractions.

The $400,000 project to improve the 7km cycle link between the State Highway 2 Rere Falls Heartland Ride and the Motu Trails Great Ride will significantly enhance safety for cyclists and general traffic.

The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.